No Filter, Eleftheria Tiliakou
In Kalymnos, we don’t measure progress with infrastructure or social policy — we measure it in statues. The more we erect, the prouder we feel. And why not? Bronze withstands time, and we withstand… the excitement of unveiling ceremonies. Every profession gets a pedestal, every square a hero, every meter of our seafront a bronze symbol. Because really, if you don’t have a statue in Kalymnos, who are you?
Yesterday, the unveiling of the statue of the Kalymnian Merchant Navy Officer, in the presence of shipping magnate and sponsor, Stavros Livanos, was the social highlight of the past week. The initiators of this work of art, being Merchant Navy Officers themselves, wanted to honor their professional family, just as the Kalymnian sponge diver was once honored. Both professions have supported the island’s livelihood for decades, and this tribute is well deserved.
But now, a precedent has been set. Surely, other local professionals will want their place on the promenade too. Doesn’t the Kalymnian teacher deserve a statue? The doctor who brought fame to his hometown? The fisherman? The shepherd? The Kalymnian abroad? The journalist? And what about the Kalymnian mother? Doesn’t she deserve a monument of her own? After all, she gave birth to all the other professionals. And the priest? Where is his due recognition? I also strongly support a statue of the Kalymnian mayor who sacrificed his health in service of the municipality. Let’s not forget our modern-day benefactors — surely at least one statue is in order for them. Thankfully, our seafront is long. It can hold dozens more.
Some might say: “Are you seriously putting everything down there?” Aren’t there other places on the island more suitable? Sure, there are — but who’s going to see a statue tucked away somewhere? Borrowing from the philosopher: If a statue exists on an island, and no one is around to admire it, does it make an impression? Of course not. Therefore, all statues must go on the promenade. I believe that was precisely the logic behind the selection of this latest location.
But who could forget the uproar over the mermaid statue placed next to the sponge diver? Social media went up in flames. Eventually, the sculptor’s descendants asked for its removal to put an end to the ridicule. Mermaids, you see, are not productive members of society — so apparently, even among sculptures, there is prejudice.
And as for how we fund these monuments? If there’s no sponsor, the municipality should cover the cost. Let’s hope we are next in line for a statue!
